Right Of Way Agent

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a motivated and experienced Right of Way Agent to join the City's Public Works Department. The Right of Way Agent will be responsible for negotiation and acquiring property rights, easements, and land acquisitions necessary for various projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in real estate, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders. If you are interested and possess the skills needed for this position, please apply today!

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids

• Why you should live here!

About this Opportunity

Negotiates agreements to acquire property rights; performs business and residential relocation per the Uniform act, as well as support for condemnation hearings, title research and consultants.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides right of way support by establishing accuracy of present title status of subject properties; acquires right-of-way needs (fee title, permanent easements, and temporary easements) for city projects

• Investigates and researches title data via county courthouse records, city documents, field interviews with abstractors, attorneys, and property managers

• Estimates the market value of properties

• Serves as a liaison between property owners and institutions, housing, and welfare agencies, interpreting and explaining acquisition, relocation, negotiations, closing and property management

• Facilitates all the phases of right of way acquisition projects including defining, measuring, analyzing, improving and controlling (DMAIC) information to completion

• Trains staff in the principles and practices of right of way acquisition, appraisal, property management and relocation assistance

• Determines eligibility, moving cost options, and amount of payments in conformance with state and federal laws

• Prepares, revises, and modifies contracts for purchase of real estate, personal property and/or property rights in per project plans

• Documents all phases of right of way acquisitions

• Prepares and negotiates agreements to secure property rights and interests

• Monitors progress of relocation/adjustment projects to ensure compliance with the negotiated agreements in a timely manner

• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with city policies, procedures and safety practices

• Performs related work as required

Required Education and Experience

• Associate's Degree Business, Planning, or related field and 3 to 5 years of full-time experience in real estate appraisals, property law, acquisitions/negotiations, real estate sales or management and/or relocation assistance;

OR,

• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience (i.e., one year of relevant experience may substitute one year of education)

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid. U.S. Driver's License

• Iowa Notary Public or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire

Desired Qualifications

• Iowa Real Estate or Appraiser license

• International Right of Way Association certification and/or Senior Right of Way designation

• Completion of International Right of Way Association course or web-based training FHWA-NHI-141045 Real Estate Acquisition under the Uniform Act or equivalent course related to Right of Way and Eminent Domain

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:30pm

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

• Multiple health insurance plans administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with low employee premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance (view our benefits summaries for more information: Choice Plan and Traditional Plan)

• Expansive Wellness Program and low cost onsite exercise facilities

• Dental Insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa

• 100% city paid basic life insurance

• Other voluntary benefits offered including vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance

• IPERS Retirement

• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, with contributions of 6.29% employee/ 9.44% City (IPERS)

• Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement programs

• Generous paid time off AND 11 paid holidays per year

• Paid Parental Leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off

• Annual salary increases, AND an annual accross-the-board increase (determined by available budget)

• Longevity Pay for years of service

• Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year

• A culture that is supportive and committed to professional development opportunities

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• Employees may qualify for the PSLF program which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more information here

01

Do you have at least three years of experience in real estate appraisals, property law, acquisitions/negotiations, real estate sales or management and/or relocation assistance?

• Yes

• No

02

List any applicable licenses or certifications you possess.

03

Describe your experience working with diverse populations.

Required Question

Agency City of Cedar Rapids

Address 101 First Street SE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401

Phone 319-286-5000

Website http://www.cedar-rapids.org/